Senior Team
At Ava, our Senior Team bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. Each member of the Senior Team embodies our values and supports the rest of the team to do so every day.
The Senior Team ensure that Ava consistently delivers the highest standard of service in the international logistics industry. When you work with Ava, you are choosing a partner dedicated to excellence.
Our leadership team
Meet our International Senior Management Team, the innovative minds behind Ava’s aim to raise the standards of secure international logistics.
Chris Fergus
Chief Executive Officer
Our CEO, Chris, has over 30 years’ experience in secure international logistics and facility management sectors. As an experienced leader across multinational organisations, Chris knows this industry very well. He identified a need for change, and so established Ava, bringing together a team of experts from secure international logistics and client-facing roles to support Ava’s clients worldwide.
A UK national, Chris is based in our Head Office in Dubai.
Email: [email protected]
Chris Fergus Linkedin
Stefan Dingeldein
Global Sales & Marketing Director
Stefan is our Global Sales and Marketing Director. He has over 15 years’ experience working at a leading security services provider, becoming Regional Head of Commodities in Europe. He has also been Regional Director for Europe and the Middle East, responsible for delivering strategy and managing key accounts across the region and managing several global strategic accounts.
Stefan is from Germany and is based in our Frankfurt office.
Email: [email protected]
Stefan Dingeldein Linkedin
Dan Cody
Chief Operating Officer & Global Risk Director
Dan is our Global Risk Director and Chief Operating Officer. With over 20 years’ experience in the security industry, Dan has incredible expertise in global high-value logistics, including complex risk audits, loss investigations, the management of international security teams and partner operations, and global security analysis. Dan offers our clients valuable market intelligence and insights, helping to reduce exposure to risk.
Dan is from America and is based in our New York office.
Email: [email protected]
Dan Cody Linkedin
James Alston
Chief Financial Officer
James is our Chief Financial Officer. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in 1992 and spent 11 years at a leading security services provider in roles including group finance, cash services and justice services. James and Chris have worked together before and the pair have built a strong working relationship and friendship. 31 years of experience in both the professional services sector and this industry makes James’s expertise second-to-none.
A UK national, James is based in our UK office.
Email: [email protected]
James Alston LinkedinOur expertise team
Supporting our Senior Team are our Expertise Team. At Ava, the Expertise Team are the backbone of our operations, each bringing specialised knowledge to their role, ensuring we deliver unparalleled service across the sector and in any country. Our strength lies in our team of experienced professionals.
Will Baines
General Manager – APAC & Middle East
Will is our General Manager of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. With over 20 years of experience in security, secure logistics and cash processing, Wills operational and commercial experience has been obtained across a diverse portfolio of clients and sectors.
Will is based in our Hong Kong office.
Email: [email protected]
Will Baines Linkedin
Simon Clarke
Global Operations Director
Simon is our Director of Operations, bringing over 35 years of experience in military and commercial air cargo operations. His extensive expertise spans airline operations, ground handling, and specialised logistics. Simon is dedicated to delivering high performance and outstanding service, fostering strong collaborations with clients and partners across our global network.
Simon is based in our UK office.
Email: [email protected]
Simon Clarke Linkedin
Julien Tardy
Global Head of Mining
For over 20 years, Julien has developed expertise in all areas of international logistics, working for major players in multimodal logistics to provide turnkey and door-to-door services, with a focus upon the mining sector. Julien identifies the projects where we can provide alternative and innovative logistical solutions within the mining sector. He works actively with our partners to ensure an efficient, secure and competitive service.
French citizen, Julien is based in our Dubai office.
Email: [email protected]
Julien Tardy Linkedin
Gwen Coutinho
HR & Administration Manager
Gwen is our HR, Administration and Compliance Manager. With over 20 years’ experience in HR, Gwen works in alignment with the leadership and expertise teams to deliver high-level HR Services and Solutions. Her expertise spans global recruitment and talent management, onboarding and employee benefits administration. In addition to her HR responsibilities, Gwen provides support to the compliance and finance teams in the due diligence process, receivables, collections and office management.
Gwen is based in Dubai, UAE.
Email: [email protected]
Gwen Coutinho Linkedin
